Polish Girl in UK

Decision to study in UK was not the easiest one in my life.

More exams, much more stress, giving up hobbies and free time, saying goodbye to friends and family, and what is the most important - starting adult life.

When I came to Nottingham in August I was completely overwhelmed by the language, loneliness and obviously THE WEATHER.

From sunny, warm Wroclaw to rainy, cloudy Nottingham in 17 hours.

First things, which you need to do as a person who wants to work in UK, are :

1. Get an appointment for National Insurance Number.

2. Opening bank account.

3. Get a job.

Seems easy, doesn't?

Well, it wasn't.

It took me two weeks to get those appointments, not to mention every one hour long phone call I had to make to get them.. and spelling aloud my name, surname and polish address.

G A B R I E L A D O M I N I K A B I A L K O W S K A

'You are a good egg!'

I have heard this sentence at work from my manager. I was pretty confused, what does it even mean? How can I be an egg? Is it good or bad thing to say? How should I react? You can only imagine how weird it was when I asked her : Egg? Seriously?

I happens on and on and on.

Fortunately English people are friendly and willing to help, but it does not change a fact that when I don't understand you I will agree to everything, have a grin on my face and act stupid.

Queuing

One of the first things I have realised while being here is the fact that English people are champions in queuing. When I first saw a queue to the bus, I was amazed, started taking pictures of people standing in it, and sending it to my family with comment ' look at that! Have you ever seen something like that?! It is amazing!'

Getting onto first-name terms

In UK hierarchy basically disappears. My manger hates being Mrs. Tutors want to be called by names. In Poland you cannot really use first name of a tutor. Instead of Tim, it would be: Mr Proffesor Rundle.

And loads of more little weird differences,

which make my life in UK harder...